In one day, ‘Baarack’ the sheep lost 80 pounds … of wool

Once a year, sheep get haircuts. Being shorn—that's sheep speak for a full trim—is a mutually beneficial thing. The humans get wool to make lots of warm stuff like sweaters, toques, and blankets. And the sheep get a fresh new look and lighter bounce in their step. Hey, who doesn't feel lighter and sleeker after a good haircut?

Wool is coarse and actually very heavy to carry around. And if you ever doubt this, just ask Baarack.

At some point around five years ago, this Australian merino sheep got lost and wandered the woods. All this time, the ram's wool was growing. And growing. And growing.

Until one day, he was found by a disbelieving person who wasn't sure if he was looking at some sort of walking couch or an animal. In the end, he contacted Edgar's Mission Farm Sanctuary—a place for rescued farm animals. And the staff went to work giving this sheep the trim he needed!

As much as ten-year-old

As detailed in this video from The Dodo, the staff there had to be extremely careful. Not only was Baarack unfamiliar with and scared of humans, trying to cut his matted, dirty, bug-infested, stick-laden wool was not going to be easy. But there was no question the wool had to go—the ram could barely move and was carrying a knee-buckling 35 kilograms (77 pounds) of wool.

That's the equivalent to a ten-year-old human on his back 24/7. (And enough to make over 60 sweaters!)

The end result is well worth seeing, as today Baarack truly does have a bounce back in his step—he's lean and getting stronger everyday!

Watch the video below. It's baaa-utiful!

By the way, after watching this, you might have a question. Why aren't wild sheep walking around looking like some lost furniture collection from your grandparents' basement. Good question!

Wild sheep shed their coats every year. But domesticated, or farm, sheep? They do not. They have grown used to being shorn every year by their owners.